Exceptional care workers will always be in demand, but what is it that makes employers within the care sector really notice your application above all the other candidates? One way to make sure you stand out is to write a cover letter.
Do care workers need to write cover letters?
You might be wondering why send a cover letter – it's all in my CV, right? Well, including a cover letter is actually indispensable when applying for care work jobs – for two main reasons.
Firstly, as many applicants don't include a cover letter by writing one you'll gain more attention with potential employers.
Secondly, it's an ideal way of getting your personality across and showing what added value you can offer.
What to include in a care worker cover letter.
Although your CV shows what skills, experience, and qualifications you have it's mainly dealing with the past. A cover letter is more focused on what you can bring to an employer now and in the future. It can also help to portray your attributes and personal qualities as a perfect match for the job.
Here's a list of what employers within the care sector are likely to be looking for:
- Care or related experience
- Empathy and warmth
- Physical fitness – for lifting or assisting clients
- Emotional resilience
- An ability to assess situations and make sound, safe decisions
- Confidentiality
- Team players
How to structure your cover letter.
If showcasing your abilities in words leaves you feeling less than enthusiastic let us reassure you. Writing the kind of cover letter that will get you noticed in the care sector is actually pretty simple. Here's our structure to keep you on the right track:
Get off on the right foot - Start by addressing your letter to the relevant person. Find out who they are and make sure you get their job title too. Don't forget to reference the exact job position you are applying for - small details like this really make the right impression.
Tell them why you are keen on the job - Is it because you'd be able to combine your relevant experience from other care roles you've had? Do the company values particularly attract you? Is the client group one that you are experienced with? Whatever the reason, make sure you convey this early on in the letter.
Highlight your personal qualities – Make it clear that you are a perfect match. Use the list above to really make yourself shine.
Mention the qualifications you have - Do you have a Health and Social Care NVQ/QCF? What relevant on the job training have you got? Are you trained to deal with challenging behaviour? Mention your most recent DBS check if you've had one. Cherry pick your top three or four qualifications.
Don't go on too long – Ideally, your covering letter needs to be no longer than one side of A4. Keep it concise, but detailed enough to make an impact.
Finally, finish on a positive - By telling them how excited you are about the role and what you can bring to their team you'll leave a lasting impression.
Before you send - It's worth having a trusted eye to give it the once-over. Ask a friend (ideally someone who works in your sector) to read it through. Then check the spelling and grammar - an eye for detail is crucial in any caring role, so check twice. Then send. Voilà.
